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The tragic death of Romona Victor, a UNC councillor, in a reported murder-suicide carried out by her husband, Rodney Ramsumair, has once again highlighted the pervasive issue of femicide in Trinidad and Tobago. Siparia Mayor Doodnath Mayhroo urged women in abusive relationships to seek counselling and walk away, but the reality is far more complex. Despite such advice, femicides continue to rise, with 137 women and girls killed daily by intimate partners globally in 2024, according to the UN. Locally, NGOs like the International Women’s Resource Network report alarming figures for 2025, underscoring the urgency of the crisis. This grim reality reveals systemic failures: women’s complaints are often dismissed by authorities, and protection orders are not always effective. Even when women attempt to leave abusive relationships, they are frequently pursued by their former partners. The case of Ms. Victor, a well-known councillor, illustrates that no woman is immune to this violence. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles have both expressed their grief and called for action. Ms. Persad-Bissessar emphasized the need for a supportive environment where victims can come forward without fear, while Ms. Beckles advocated for a stronger legal system and expanded gender-based policing. However, addressing the root causes of this crisis requires a cultural shift. Harmful attitudes and stereotypes perpetuated among boys and men must be challenged. Men have a critical role to play in reshaping societal beliefs and behaviors to end this cycle of violence.

Former Trinidad and Tobago Education Minister Dr. Nyan Gadsby-Dolly has urged an investigation into a Central Trinidad caterer following reports of dead lizards discovered in roti intended for school meals. The incident, reported by the Trinidad Guardian on November 25, involved rotis supplied by a Freeport-based roti maker to a company contracted under the National School Dietary Services Limited (NSDSL). The contamination was reportedly detected before the meals reached students. This is not the first time the caterer has faced scrutiny; their services were previously suspended due to concerns over water quality at their facility. Dr. Gadsby-Dolly expressed deep concern, emphasizing that over 62,000 students across Trinidad and Tobago rely on state-provided breakfast and lunch. She called for updated protocols and a thorough investigation, noting that the supplier had allegedly faced similar issues in the past. Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath has pledged to follow up on the matter. The NSDSL’s School Nutrition Programme (SNP) serves approximately 54,000 breakfasts and 79,000 lunches daily to over 800 schools, relying on 68 caterers nationwide. The programme aims to provide a significant portion of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of nutrients through structured menu planning and strict adherence to food safety guidelines.

In a heartfelt tribute, Arthur Dash, a junior counsel who has worked alongside Senior Counsel Israel Khan for over 24 years, celebrates Khan’s recent accolade—an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree from the University of TT. This prestigious honor recognizes Khan’s exceptional contributions to the legal profession, particularly his distinguished advocacy at the Criminal Bar of TT and his 38-year tenure as a tutor at the Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS).

Khan, a 1979 graduate of HWLS, was appointed Senior Counsel in 2000. His career has been marked by brilliance, moral courage, and an unwavering commitment to justice. In 2024, HWLS honored him as one of seven distinguished Caribbean luminaries during its 50th anniversary celebrations.

Dash, who has witnessed Khan’s legal prowess firsthand, describes him as a shining example for young attorneys. Khan’s dedication to justice and his profound impact on the legal field make this honorary degree a well-deserved recognition. Dash extends his heartfelt congratulations to Khan for this remarkable achievement.

Colin Mitchell has been re-elected for a fifth consecutive term as chairman of The Shelter – A Safe House for Survivors of Domestic Violence. The announcement was made during the organization’s annual general meeting (AGM) held on November 20. The Shelter, which operates with a fully volunteer board, has seen significant progress over the past year, including advancements in the construction of the new WAND Expansion Wing, improvements in internal governance and HR systems, and strengthened collaborations with national institutions.

The AGM coincided with the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, highlighting the ongoing urgency of The Shelter’s mission in Trinidad and Tobago, where domestic violence remains a pressing concern. Outgoing board members Sean Medina, Anna-Lise Nanton, and Kelly Betts were recognized for their contributions, while three new members joined the board: Shivan Camacho, an ICT specialist tasked with leading the digitization of the case management system; attorney Andrea De Matas, who will serve as secretary; and Dr. Indira Persad-Couch, a leadership development specialist focused on operational strengthening and stakeholder engagement.

Continuing board members include Stacey-Ann Paty as vice chair, Neela Moonilal-Kissoon as treasurer, and Dr. Maryam Abdool-Richards, Dr. Camille Huggins, and Kim Martins. Supporters are encouraged to participate in The Shelter’s 2026 fundraising events, including the Annual Golf Tournament in June and the Shelter Sunset Soirée in October. For more information or to support The Shelter, visit www.trinidadshelter.com.

In a significant move to enhance educational technology, Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath announced on Tuesday via a Facebook ‘live’ video that laptops have arrived in Trinidad. These devices are set to be distributed as a Christmas gift to the nation’s secondary school students, fulfilling a key election promise by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. The announcement was made at the TTPost headquarters in Piarco, where Padarath was joined by TSTT chairman Kern Dass and acting CEO Keino Cox. Padarath emphasized that the Public Utilities Ministry, leading the laptops in schools program, had tasked state telecoms company bmobile/TSTT with the procurement of these devices. Over the next week, most of the laptops will be handed over to the Ministry of Education for nationwide distribution. Padarath highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating that it represents a progressive step towards equipping students with the necessary technological tools to gain a competitive edge in the future. The laptops come pre-loaded with carefully selected educational content and are accompanied by padded backpacks featuring a charging port, allowing the devices to be charged without removal. Further details on the distribution process will be revealed by the Ministry of Education in the coming days. Padarath expressed his satisfaction with the timely arrival of the laptops, noting that it would serve as a special Christmas gift from the Prime Minister to the students. He also thanked various agencies, including the Customs and Excise department and TTPost, for their collaboration in ensuring the success of this initiative.